WASHINGTON - Alan Dasher, Erika Antonio, Patrick H. Hearn, Mary M. Englehart, Lashanda Freeman, Cynthia L. Allard, Marc B. Imes and Richard Hartline were recognized for “Superior Performance by a Litigation Team" by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Middle District of Georgia was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In her prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Yates said, “The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges. From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases. And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work."
“We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice," said Director Wilkinson.
Mr. Dasher, Ms. Antonio, Mr. Hearn, Ms. Englehart, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Allard, Mr. Imes and Mr. Hartline are recognized for their efforts in the investigation and prosecution of the corporate officials of Peanut Corporation of America, involving the knowing sale of Salmonella contaminated peanut butter and products to commercial food vendors, resulting in nine deaths and thousands of victims of illness. This case demonstrated the Department’s focus on personal responsibility of corporate officers for corporate misdeeds and resulted in the longest sentences ever given in a food products case. The lengthy trial followed nearly 7 years of investigation and preparation, and netted sentences of 28 years for the Peanut Corporation of America’s president, 20 years for the food broker, and 5 years for the office manager. This case serves as an outstanding example of interagency cooperation between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Civil Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III stated, “This case was extraordinarily difficult from a legal, factual, logistical and emotional standpoint. The prosecutorial/investigative team worked tirelessly and with great dedication to bring this matter to a successful and just conclusion. They are extremely deserving of this accolade."
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
